30 years. 22 kinders. Thousands of stories
Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRK) turns 30 in 2026. But some of our kindergartens were part of their communities decades before YRK began. To tell our story, we need to tell theirs too.
From 4 kindergartens to 22
YRK’s organisational story began in 1996, when Launching Place, Woori Yallock, Millgrove and Warburton came together as Upper Yarra Children’s Services Inc.
Over the next 25 years, another 17 kindergartens joined. The organisation changed its name and moved offices, while each kindergarten remained connected to its local community.
In 2021, Mooroolbark Early Childhood Education Centre, Mt Evelyn Memorial Preschool and Wandin Preschool joined YRK. Their arrival brought the network to 21 services, and enrolments rose from 835 to 1,104 children.
Selby Kindergarten became YRK’s 22nd kindergarten in April 2023. Its educators later spoke about learning new systems as well as the chance to meet and learn from colleagues across the network.
Growth has never meant making every kindergarten the same. YRK’s 2022 annual report described an organisation that was community run and locally managed with a commitment to preserving each centre’s character and values.
Kindergartens with different stories
Wandin Kindergarten opened in 1964 after local families spent 3 years working and fundraising to establish it. They collected wastepaper, bottles and fabric, and held a fishing competition and a community dance. Founding members Ray Taylor and Valmae Gaudion returned for Wandin’s 60th birthday in 2024, along with Wendy Bartsch, who attended in its first year.
Other kindergartens have marked milestones of their own. Montrose celebrated 60 years in 2022. That same year, Belgrave marked its 50th birthday by planting a jacaranda tree and unveiling a plaque recognising former teacher Marion Prince’s 25 years of service. Sarah Court celebrated 50 years in 2023 with photographs, artwork, and stories of how the kindergarten had changed.
There have been new beginnings too. In April 2024, Mt Dandenong Preschool moved into its new premises after almost 2 and a half years at a temporary site at Olinda Primary School.
Today, YRK connects 22 kindergarten communities. Their histories include families who raised money to open a service, teachers and educators who stayed for decades, and generations of children who learned and played there.
Our 30th anniversary is a chance to preserve more of those stories, including the ones still tucked away in photo albums, old newsletters and people’s memories.
Do you have a photograph, newsletter or memory from one of our kindergartens? Share your story with us and help preserve it for the next generation.
Share your story with communications@yrkinders.com